PETALING JAYA: A special committee on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has been established to focus specifically on STEM's direction from the school level to higher education.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek  said the committee was established and comprises her ministry, the Higher Education Ministry and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.

She added that the Education Ministry, in collaboration with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry, would implement Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive to organise a programme in which 100 young scientists visit 100 schools nationwide to raise students' interest in STEM.

“The Education Ministry welcomes the directive,” she said in a press release today (July 18).

Fadhlina added that various cultural initiatives, activities and STEM development programmes

are being conducted in the school.

On Wednesday (July 17), Anwar said he wants 100 young scientists to hold talks in 100 schools to spur students' interest in STEM.

He called for a list of 100 suitable scientists to be drawn up as he was concerned by the lack of interest in STEM subjects and the growing divide between urban and rural schools in this area.

He suggested that young scientists or PhD holders spend two to three hours once or twice a month meeting with students in their schools to spur interest in STEM.

"I will give two weeks for a list to be submitted for these scientists to go to 100 selected schools around the country," he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/18/new-committee-established-to-advance-stem-education